Ran Word Meaning

Old English rinnan, irnan (verb), of Germanic origin, probably reinforced in Middle English by Old Norse rinna, renna. The current form with -u- in the present tense is first recorded in the 16th century

move at a speed faster than a walk, never having both or all the feet on the ground at the same time

move at speed faster than walk

• the dog ran across the road
• she ran the last few yards, breathing heavily
• he hasn't paid for his drinks—run and catch him

pass or cause to pass quickly in a particular direction

pass or cause to pass quickly in particular direction

• the rumour ran through the pack of photographers
• Helen ran her fingers through her hair

(with reference to a liquid) flow or cause to flow

flow or cause to flow

• a small river runs into the sea at one side of the castle
• she ran cold water into a basin

extend or cause to extend in a particular direction

extend or cause to extend in particular direction

• cobbled streets run down to a tiny harbour
• he ran a wire under the carpet

(of a bus, train, ferry, or other form of transport) make a regular journey on a particular route

make regular journey on particular route

• buses run into town every half hour

be in charge of; manage

be in charge of

• Andrea runs her own catering business
• an attractive family-run hotel

be in or cause to be in operation; function or cause to function

be in or cause to be in operation

• the car runs on unleaded fuel
• the modem must be run off a mains transformer

continue or be valid or operative for a particular period of time

continue or be valid or operative for particular period of time

• the course ran for two days
• this particular debate will run and run

stand as a candidate in an election

stand as candidate in election

• he announced that he intended to run for President

publish or be published in a newspaper or magazine

publish or be published in newspaper or magazine

• the tabloid press ran the story
• when the story ran, there was a big to-do

bring (goods) into a country illegally and secretly; smuggle

bring goods into country illegally

• they run drugs for the cocaine cartels

cost (someone) (a specified amount)

cost someone

• a new photocopier will run us about $1,300

(of a stocking or pair of tights) develop a ladder.

develop ladder

provide

provide

• the wait-and-see game continues until the government runs some ready cash